7 Fears, 7 facts series.
#1 Fear: I'm afraid of a laser near my eye
If the thought of a laser near your eye makes your stomach turn, you’re not alone. Fear is one of the most common reasons people in San Antonio hesitate to consider LASIK eye surgery — and honestly, it’s completely valid. Your vision is precious. But fear without facts can keep you from life-changing clarity!
So let’s talk about what LASIK surgery actually involves — and why tens of millions of people worldwide (including thousands right here in San Antonio) have chosen it with confidence.
#1 Fact: The Truth
LASIK Is One of the Safest Elective Procedures in the World
Yes, LASIK is a surgery — but it’s also one of the most studied and refined elective procedures in modern medicine. With a satisfaction rate exceeding 96% among patients worldwide, LASIK has built a decades-long track record of safety and success. Most of the fear comes from misunderstanding what the procedure involves.
As reported in Clinical Ophthalmology journal as of 2021 “Laser vision correction (LVC) has now reached its 25th anniversary since FDA approval in the USA. We estimate 20 to 25 million surgeries for the refractive conditions of myopia, hyperopia with astigmatism in the USA alone”
That makes Lasik one of the most common surgeries performed in our country today, with millions more performed since then. Dr Manrique himself has performed over 70,000 laser vision correction surgeries.
What Actually happens during LASIK Surgery?
The LASIK Surgery Process
Here’s a quick walk-through of what to expect when you get LASIK in a clinic like ours in San Antonio:
You’ll be awake — but totally relaxed. Your surgeon will apply numbing drops to your eyes so you don’t feel pain. You might feel light pressure, but not pain.
The laser does the precision work. Using advanced technology, the laser reshapes your cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. It’s fast — the laser part usually takes less than 60 seconds per eye.
You go home the same day. Most patients notice clearer vision within hours, with full recovery in a few days to a week.
Think of it this way: LASIK isn’t a long, drawn-out surgery. It’s a highly precise, highly personalized procedure — and thanks to modern advances, it’s more predictable and effective than ever.
Modern LASIK = Less human error
One reason LASIK is so safe today is because of something called Wavefront-guided technology. This maps the unique imperfections of your eyes and guides the laser treatment with pinpoint accuracy. It’s faster, safer, and more tailored than the early days of LASIK.
Although almost everyone associates surgery with blades, Dr. Manrique uses bladeless lasers for added safety and comfort. This minimizes human error and helps lead to consistently excellent outcomes.
Common Fears and How We Address Them
Let’s name a few common fears and dispel them:
“What if I blink or move?” A tracking system follows your eye’s tiniest movements and adjusts in real time. If your eye shifts, the laser pauses instantly.
“What if something goes wrong?” Extensive pre-screening ensures you’re a good candidate before surgery. Most issues (like dry eye or glare) are temporary and manageable — and serious complications are exceedingly rare.
“Will I be able to see during surgery?” Yes, but your vision will be blurry. The numbing drops and the laser’s speed mean you won’t “see” the surgery happen in any uncomfortable way.
It is completely normal to worry about these things because you want to protect some of your most important assets, your eyes, and we do, too!
What San Antonio LASIK Patients Say Afterward
Everyone at Manrique Custom Vision was polite and professional. They are keenly aware of patients’ apprehension and go out of their way to put you at ease. It helps that can you observe the procedure through the glass wall before you have the correction procedure done. The procedure it self only took a few minutes from start to stop. Follow on care has been spot on. I now have 20/20 vision without glasses, for first time in 35 years. If you have ever considered getting the laser corrective vision procedure done, I highly recommend you go to Dr. Manrique and team.
One of the most common things we hear from local LASIK patients is:
“I was more nervous than I needed to be — the whole thing was over before I knew it!”
Another frequent comment:
“I wish I’d done this sooner.”
Fear kept them waiting. But facts helped them move forward — and now they’re enjoying glasses-free mornings, workouts, and sunsets across the Hill Country.
OVERCOMING FEAR OF LASIK
FINAL THOUGHT: FEAR IS NATURAL, BUT IT SHOULDN'T DECIDE YOUR FUTURE
It’s okay to be nervous. You’re not making a frivolous decision — you’re protecting your vision. That’s smart. But fear should never be the final word.
If you’re in San Antonio and have been on the fence about LASIK, the best next step isn’t avoidance — it’s education. Come in for a complimentary consultation. Ask questions. Get the facts from a surgeon who cares more about your outcome than your signature. An investment in LASIK Surgery is an investment in your quality of life.
You only get one pair of eyes. But you also get one life to live with clear vision. Let’s make it a good one.
Ready to Discover the Freedom of Clear Vision?
To celebrate 25 years of vision correction, Manrique Custom Vision is offering up to $1,500 off bilateral LASIK Surgery (both eyes) to help make LASIK Surgery more affordable. Book a complimentary consultation to see if you qualify for this amazing procedure by clicking the link below.
*$1,500 discount cannot be combined or used with any other discounts, promotions, or services.
DISCLAIMER: The medical content provided on the Manrique Custom Vision website is for informational purposes only about the practice and is not intended to replace appropriate medical consultation with a qualified physician or healthcare provider.